Challenging a mouthpiece now carries a risk
Rule numbers: USAH 307(a) USAH 307(c) USAH 304(f)
A team may ask the referee to measure an opponent's equipment, limited to one request per team per stoppage. If the measurement shows the equipment is legal, the team that asked gets a bench minor for delay of game. The 2025-29 change summary lists the mouthpiece case as new: a mouthpiece challenge that comes back legal now costs the challenging team a bench minor too. For reference, 304(f) requires a colored, non-clear internal mouthpiece covering the remaining teeth of one jaw for all players from 12U through 18U (including High School) and Girls 19U. Handle the request calmly and tell both benches the result before assessing anything.
The Referee shall assess a bench minor penalty for delay of game against a team that requests any measurement if the measurement verifies that the equipment is legal.
- On the ice
- Legal equipment found: the requesting team plays shorthanded.
- Clock
- Bench minor (2:00 or the pro-rated minor length) against the requesting team.
- Scoresheet
- Bench minor for delay of game against the team that asked.
Example
Team B's coach claims Team A's #9 is not wearing a legal mouthpiece. The referee checks and finds a legal colored mouthpiece in place. Team B gets a bench minor for delay of game.
Common mistake: Waving off the penalty because mouthpiece checks used to be exempt.
Sources
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 307(a), p. 49 (PDF p. 83)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 307(c), p. 50 (PDF p. 84)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey, Rule 304(f), p. 48 (PDF p. 82)
- USA Hockey 2025-29 Rule Change Summary, Rule 307(c)
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